Tension began to build slowly, unnoticed at first. Carnage started in darkness, hidden within the dawn.
Mizukage Tower.
Yagura sat in his chair, his expression deeply grim, the eerie glow in his eyes piercing and intimidating.
Terumi Mei crossed her arms with an eager look on her face. But those who knew her well understood one thing:
When this hot-tempered female war goddess smiled, that was truly the end of the world. Because she would never reason with you. Whoever could withstand her [Lava Release] and [Scorch Release] would be the only one qualified to speak.
Mei, strong and capable enough to independently master two Kekkei Genkai, was definitely not someone easy to deal with.
"The Anbu have completely surrounded the Takehaya Clan. I don't intend to give them any chance. We strike first!"
Still in her twenties, Mei was not only the Mizukage's assistant but also currently the Jonin squad leader in Kiri.
Moreover, Mei and Yagura shared an extremely close relationship.
Therefore, she not only had authority over Jonin, but could also command the Anbu.
"Do whatever you think is best. I'm tired," Yagura said, slightly rubbing his temples, his eyes narrowing.
Anyone who had to deal with such a stubborn, war-hungry family would certainly feel drained.
"This operation will also involve other bloodline families. The Takehaya Clan has no allies, nor will they find any."
Mei gave a measured nod before continuing.
"Fine. If we're going to act, let's finish it all at once. No room for hidden threats. Kiri simply cannot afford any instability—you should already know this."
Yagura tilted his head back, gazing at Mei's profile, then at her wine-red hair—vibrant and strikingly captivating.
"I understand. I'll go prepare now. Should nothing come up, you're welcome to observe the operation firsthand."
Mei reached up with her right hand to tuck a loose strand of hair back into place, then turned and walked out of the office.
Tonight was destined to be restless and busy—but it wouldn't be something big enough to change the power balance in the village.
The Takehaya Clan opposed the entire village and even conspired to stage a coup. Their final outcome wasn't something worthy of pity.
Other bloodline clans would not feel uneasy about their fate either.
They had long harbored deep-rooted resentment toward that clan. And because the Takehaya Clan constantly opposed Yagura's policies, it had gravely impacted the interests of all.
Across the village, many figures moved swiftly and silently—each heading toward the same location: the residence of the Takehaya Clan on the very edge of the village.
Nestled among the mountains and forests, the Takehaya Clan dwelled on the outskirts of Kirigakure.
One could even say their compound was no longer located inside the village proper.
At the time of the village's founding, the Takehaya Clan used to be surrounded by the village core, but after several rounds of planning and reorganization, the Takehaya were gradually pushed outside the protective borders.
Few families ever wanted to live next to such a bunch of "madmen."
Before, when the previous clan head was still alive, the clan could at least behave somewhat normally.
But ever since that somewhat intelligent clan chief died in the war with Konoha, and his younger brother took over as the new leader, everything started to go extremely wrong.
Each and every one of them was boneheaded—literally and figuratively. There wasn't a shred of rational thought among them. When Kiri had decided to formally end the war with Konoha, they nearly went as a whole clan to provoke another conflict. Fortunately, Yagura stopped them in time.
Now, it was too late for anyone to make a difference—the entire Takehaya Clan had already been consumed by madness. Their very blood boiled with madness and pure irrationality!
Clan interests, in the eyes of these lunatics, had long lost any importance compared to the burning battle lust inside their heads!
...
Inside the dungeon of the Takehaya Clan.
Kimimaro placed the last piece of meat into his mouth, chewed thoroughly, then swallowed it down.
He felt much more energetic and refreshed now—he couldn't recall ever eating so fully or comfortably before.
After flexing his fingers a bit, Kimimaro sensed a surge of power stirring within him, similar to a type of stimulant, making his mind feel slightly hazy.
Shaking his head vigorously, hoping to dispel this fiery sensation in his brain, he stood up—he heard those familiar footsteps approaching once more.
Clop-clop-clop! The man who previously brought food returned again. This time, he carried a knife, seemingly crafted from bone, gleaming white and hard.
Around his neck hung a string of beads made from polished bones, while an insane grin twisted across his face—a wild-eyed savage through and through.
"Kimimaro, can you feel the restless power within you? Come with me and let's get the party started!"
The man stood several meters away from Kimimaro, bloodshot lines crisscrossing his eyes.
The meal Kimimaro had just eaten contained the Takehaya Clan's secret [Mad Warrior Elixir]. Consuming it enabled members of the clan to become immune to pain and significantly enhanced their strength.
If Saitama were here, he would have immediately recognized this so-called secret elixir as essentially a stimulant—or even a drug—that drove people into a battle-frenzy.
While under its effects, wounds kept piling on without pause—but all sensation of pain had simply gone numb.
Upon hearing the man speak, Kimimaro said nothing, though he clearly had already been affected by the mysterious drug in that meal, his breathing starting to quicken.
"Follow me!" The man yelled, gripping the blade tighter, beginning to walk outside with red-rimmed eyes.
Kimimaro hesitated briefly, then followed along in confusion.
There was a flame burning inside him, needing something—something he must do—to extinguish it! Otherwise, his entire body felt terribly uncomfortable!
...
"So this is how chaos begins in Kiri Village? This trip has certainly been worth the journey!"
A snake silently lay hidden within the shadows, coiled tightly around its body, entwining a wild rabbit at its center, blood dripping slowly from the corner of its mouth.
Beside this serpent stood a tall, upright figure gazing toward Kirigakure beneath distant mountains, murmuring softly to himself.
Purple eye-shadow, golden slit-pupils gleaming, pale skin, and flowing silver hair left no doubt as to his identity—he needed no introduction.
"I wonder if there are still any test subjects of interest left… Scenes like this always do wonders for lifting my spirits—in the most delicious way."
"Lick my lips. My long tongue swipes right up under my nose.
'Truly amusing!'
The sky darkened further as chaos erupted in the Village Hidden in Mist.
...
Desert, Land of Wind.
Saitama generated the Chidori with one hand, electricity crackling around him. Shisui squatted halfway in front of him, clutching his shoulder with one hand.
Saitama's sword still hung at his waist, but Shisui's blade lay aside, stabbed into the desert sand, its surface charred and blackened.
Clearly, Saitama had gained the upper hand in their recent clash, taking dominance.
Shisui, without using the Mangekyou, stood no chance against him—especially now that he had become familiar with Shisui's fighting style.
"Shisui, if this is all you've got, I'm leaving!"
Saitama narrowed his eyes, his gaze revealing traces of killing intent.
Shisui remained calm, showing no emotion on his face while staring intently at Saitama with determined eyes.
Looks like he'd have to use that power today if he wanted to keep Saitama here!
Shisui thought silently, slowly straightening his body. His shoulder and arm bore wounds inflicted by Saitama.
Fortunately, they weren't serious—not life-threatening.
But this also indicated one thing: Saitama truly had no intention of returning with him; it seemed he had already embarked on that path, moving further and further away.
His eyes misted over. The unexpected sorrow only strengthened his resolve.
The crimson pupils darkened further as his three Tomoe spun, almost fusing into one.
"It's coming... But I certainly don't have time to waste here with you!"
Narrowing his eyes, Saitama activated a Ninjutsu technique from the Mangekyou first, beating Shisui to the punch.
Sunagakure reinforcements would arrive soon—it was time to leave. He could settle things another day!
Azure chakra surged through Shisui's entire body as rib-like plates formed one by one.
Shisui displayed a solemn expression. This power—though not yet fully mastered—it should still suffice against Saitama.
"Now!" Saitama's eyes lit up as he watched Shisui's Susanoo begin to take shape.
[Amaterasu]
Wherever his gaze swept, everything fell into flames.
The immortal Amaterasu flames descended upon the mortal world—burning everything they touched.
Boom! Instantly, the Black Flame engulfed the blue chakra surrounding Shisui and began burning it away.
A smirk tugged at Saitama's lips as he looked toward Shisui.
"Captain..."
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